Summary
My name is Michelle Hoover, and I am the first in my family to receive a college degree. I am a double alum from the University of Nevada, Reno, earning both my bachelor's degrees (Human Development and Family Studies and Spanish Language and Literature) and my master’s degree (Human Development and Family Science) during my time as a student. I grew up in rural California, so being the first in my family to live in a city and pursue a college education was often overwhelming. There were many times I felt confused about the process and terminology, or what resources were available to me. However, I was very fortunate to make meaningful connections with my classmates, advisors, and professors, and the support and mentorship I received allowed me to work through the initial discomfort and unfamiliarity of university to graduate successfully from my undergraduate studies and my eventual graduate degree. I feel very fortunate that I now, as an advisor with the College of Science, have an opportunity through Golden Scholars to lower the barrier for other first-generation students to get connected on campus (whether to faculty, or to peers, or to student resources).
I'm proud of myself as a first-generation student because navigating higher education is intimidating and difficult, but I still did it. It is easy to forget that only you can put in the work, and I am proud that I put in the work!
My advice to incoming first-generation students is to talk to everyone. Seriously! It might feel awkward at first but the more you do it, the easier it gets. It is so worth it to strike up conversations with your peers and professors, and these connections and relationships you build will keep you moving forward as you work toward your goals.